Coconino National Forest reports
Best Bets
Color is over on the San Francisco Peaks and in full swing in Oak Creek Canyon and below the Mogollon Rim in the Strawberry, Pine, and Payson areas. The following recreation opportunities are the best bets for fall color.
- Oak Creek Canyon: color has arrived in upper Oak Creek Canyon from the Encinoso picnic area north to Oak Creek Vista on the rim of the canyon.
- Slide Rock State Park: fall colors are really putting on a show.
- Tonto National Forest’s Payson Ranger District, and the Pine and Strawberry, Arizona areas below the Mogollon Rim: hikers report fall colors are peaking!
- Prescott National Forest also reports excellent fall color, including golden aspens and other colorful trees and flora.
Notes on West Fork and Call of the Canyon
- West Fork Trail and Call of the Canyon are extremely popular seven days a week. The parking lot is typically full by 9:00 a.m. If you plan to hike West Fork, plan your outing for a weekday if possible, arrive early in the morning, and (most importantly) have a backup plan for an alternative activity. There are several other locations throughout Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona to enjoy, such as Encinoso picnic area and North Wilson Trail. West Fork Trailhead is a special fee area not covered by the standard Red Rock Pass or Interagency Pass. You will be required to pay an additional fee (or have a Grand Annual Pass) to enter Call of the Canyon and West Fork Trailhead.
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Natural History Wanderings 
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